HRC Blog

Last night on The Colbert Report, parody correspondent Buddy Cole met with U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe Daniel Baer for the segment, “From Russia With Love (But No Gay Stuff).”

The two discussed Russia's anti-LGBT laws and the impact it has on Russia's citizens and those visiting Sochi for the Olympics.

“I think as with all large sporting events we’re encouraging everybody to be attentive and make good decisions about their personal safety,” said Baer.

Under Russia’s law banning "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations," those found disseminating information that may cause “distorted understand” that LGBT and heterosexual relationships are “socially equivalent” will face fines or jail time.

On the day of the Olympic Opening Ceremony, four LGBT activists were arrested while trying to display a banner that read, “Discrimination is incompatible with the Olympic Movement. Principle 6. Olympic Charter.”

HRC is tracking NBC’s coverage of the games, reporting instances when they cover LGBT issues in Russia and encouraging them to devote national air-time to these critical issues.